Sugar is sugar is sugar. However, there are some sugars that are a bit more nutritive that others. Those from a natural source or from plants that have not been highly processed. Maple syrup, honey, and coconut sugar are some that have nutritive values. Xylitol is a wonder substitute in baking/cooking, with a glycemic index of 7. In the Paleo diet, both honey and maple sugar are allowed, while white sugar is a definite no, no. In these energy bites, maple sugar is used for the sweetener, but honey could be substituted. What I like about these energy bites, is they hold together well without being super sticky. I used a flax/chia seed mixture, since that’s what I had on hand. Double the batch and freeze a portion to enjoy on those occasions when you want a little something extra. Remember it’s important to have three elements in each snack: a good protein, a good fat, and a good carbohydrate. These energy bites provide all three. Enjoy.
Pumpkin Energy Bites
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups old fashioned or rolled quick oats
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup organic peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
Directions:
Add all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined.
Scoop out 1 tablespoon at a time and roll into a ball.
Place on parchment paper to dry, then in a sealed container.
Keep in the refrigerator or freezer for freshness.